105 - Managing space, recognizing place, and having what it takes: The realities and challenges of school board planning

September 30, 2020

10:45AM - 11:45AM

Demographic analysis forms the basis of informed decision making in planning; planning for student accommodation by school boards is no exception. Using Thames Valley District School Board as an example, this session explores how school boards use demographic data and analysis alongside municipal forecasts, development and growth information, and economic considerations to project student enrolment, consider changing student accommodation needs, and plan for the capital investments required to maintain and expand school facility inventories. The presenters will touch upon the competing interests and public pressures that school boards contend with, as well as discuss some of the realities and challenges of working in the public realm where social politics play a significant role. 
 
The presenters will also discuss the idea of incorporating school board planning into broader public agendas and post-secondary curriculum. The session is intended to facilitate collaboration opportunities and relationship building between school boards, municipalities, and other public and private sector partners. Through creating an opportunity to learn about school board planning as well as encouraging planners to engage and collaborate, the goal of the session is to have planners collectively consider a range of challenges facing the planning profession (housing, urban vs. rural dynamics, under representation, NIMBY-ism, etc.) through a student accommodation planning lens.
 

Speakers